India's film industry, which has told numerous stories that seek to strengthen the bonds of love and brotherhood in the nation of a billion people, has appealed for peace and calm following the Ayodhya title suit verdict on Thursday.

In an appeal, the members of Mumbai film fraternity have urged Indians not to be swayed by communal leaders, who may seek to lash up popular sentiments.

Referring to the communal clashes Mumbai had witnessed about two decades back, the appeal read: 'We urge you to not let politics and politicians strike at your lives and livelihoods to serve their purposes'.

'....long after the first stone has been thrown, the first gash made, the first fire rages, the traders of hate go home, it is you, and us, who will be left to live with the debris of disaster,' the appeal added.

The Bollywood stars have also posted individual appeals for peace, mostly on Twitter.

SHAHRUKH KHAN

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan posted on Twitter: 'Allah, God, Bhagwan in whichever name we pray to the supreme power, resides in man's heart, not in man-made houses for Him.

'I hope we Indians realise how difficult it is to build stadiums and respect and so easy to break monuments and disrespect each others' beliefs.

'I mean first our beliefs should take seed and grow in our hearts and then only we should manifest that in places of prayer and God,' his post read.